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Skiing Without Lifts: Why Snowcat Access Is Redefining Luxury Skiing

Explore the Elevated Experience of Snowcat Skiing at Cimarron Mountain Club.


By Steven Shane

If you're searching for a mountain lifestyle that goes far beyond the traditional resort model, Hideaway Creek Cabin at Cimarron Mountain Club offers something truly rare. This isn’t just access to world-class terrain—it’s a private alpine experience shared by only 13 families, tucked between Telluride and Crested Butte in the remote San Juan Mountains of Colorado.

Here, you don’t wait in lift lines. You don’t compete for first tracks. You step out your door, into a heated snowcat, and explore over 1,700 acres of untouched bowls, glades, and couloirs—guided by locals who know every ridge and secret stash. On a busy day, there might only be 15 people on the entire mountain.

Snowcat skiing is exactly what it sounds like: instead of lifts or gondolas, you’re transported uphill by a snowcat—a heated, all-terrain vehicle built for deep snow. It’s smoother than heli-skiing, more reliable in varied weather, and allows for a relaxed, private ski day completely on your terms.

Key Takeaways

  • Membership includes access to a one-of-a-kind private ski mountain
  • The only membership with a custom-built home already in place
  • Over 1,700 acres of guided, snowcat-served terrain for just 13 families
  • Off-grid solar-powered home with full-time staff and four-season adventure
  • A 15,000-square-foot luxury lodge completed in 2025 enhances the experience

A Mountain That’s Yours—And Yours Alone

Untouched Powder. Unmatched Privacy.

Cimarron Mountain Club is the only private cat-skiing mountain of its kind—where true wilderness access is protected and personalized. Instead of lifts, members are transported uphill in heated snowcats with expert guides who tailor each day to your style, ability, and mood.

The terrain is vast and varied, with north- and east-facing aspects that hold snow longer. You’ll find:

  • Open bowls and couloirs for deep winter exploration
  • Groomed and cut runs for cruising and confidence
  • Tree skiing through aspens and evergreens
  • Zero crowds, even during peak conditions
This is skiing the way it was meant to be—uncrowded, unrushed, unforgettable.

Hideaway Creek Cabin

A Private Basecamp for Every Season

Hideaway Creek Cabin is the only membership with a custom-built home already in place—a handcrafted retreat perched at 10,000 feet, designed to blend seamlessly into its high-alpine surroundings.

Set among towering aspens and abundant wildlife, the home offers:

  • Nearly 3,900 square feet across three levels
  • Vaulted ceilings, panoramic windows, and a wraparound porch
  • An open floor plan crafted for gathering, relaxing, and entertaining
  • A robust off-grid solar system with thoughtful backup for reliability
  • Architecture and materials chosen to honor the land
This is a turn-key lifestyle, not just a home. CMC’s on-site staff keeps everything ready for you—from lighting the fire before you arrive to stocking the fridge and maintaining the home in your absence.

When the Snow Melts, the Adventure Expands

Four Seasons of Private Wilderness

CMC isn't just about skiing—it's a year-round wilderness experience. When summer arrives, the forests come alive and the mountains open up to a new kind of solitude.

As a member, you can:

  • Mountain bike and hike across high-country trails
  • Scramble alpine ridgelines and rock climb nearby formations
  • Fish for trout in private ponds and lakes
  • Spot elk, moose, deer, foxes—even black bears
  • Forage wild mushrooms in the shade of old-growth trees
  • Let the staff set up a lakeside overnight camp so the adventure never has to end
Every season has its own magic, and every return to Hideaway Creek feels like coming home to something permanent.

The Lodge: A New Era of Mountain Hospitality

The mountain lifestyle at CMC expanded in 2025 with the completion of a stunning 15,000-square-foot alpine lodge. Now the heart of the community, it offers comfort, connection, and high-end service in a laid-back setting.

Features include:

  • An indoor-outdoor bar and multiple lounge areas with large fireplaces
  • Outdoor hot tubs and a panoramic sauna
  • A spa and wellness zone for post-adventure recovery
  • Evening dining experiences that bring owners together in relaxed luxury
Built with the same values as the rest of the club—intentional design, quiet luxury, and shared stewardship—this lodge enhances every stay, no matter the season.

FAQs

What does “turn-key” really mean at CMC?

Turn-key means your home is always ready for your arrival. The staff at Cimarron Mountain Club will light the fire, stock the fridge, and prep the home before you even step inside—so you can focus on enjoying your time here, not managing it.

Can I enjoy wilderness camping without the work?

Yes. The staff can set up a private overnight camp for you right beside one of the club’s tranquil alpine lakes. You’ll arrive to a ready-to-use site and experience the backcountry with total ease and comfort.

How is the home powered in such a remote location?

Hideaway Creek Cabin is powered by a solar energy system with a thoughtful backup setup, designed for efficiency and peace of mind. It's fully off-grid, allowing for sustainable and uninterrupted use all year long.

Contact Me at Steven Shane Today

Hideaway Creek Cabin isn’t just a mountain home—it’s a complete alpine lifestyle, wrapped in privacy, supported by full-service staff, and grounded in one of the most exclusive ownership experiences in the world. Whether you're carving untouched powder or listening to elk call across a summer ridgeline, this place is designed to stay with you.

Reach out to Steven Shane, and I’ll guide you through what makes this opportunity at Cimarron Mountain Club unlike anything else in mountain real estate today.



Steven Shane

About the Author

Steven Shane is one of Aspen’s most accomplished real estate brokers, consistently recognized among the top agents in Colorado and the nation. Ranked the #1 Compass Aspen Broker and previously #1 in Colorado, Steven has built a reputation over three decades for his business expertise, integrity, and commitment to client success. As founder of Shane Aspen Real Estate and now a leading force at Compass, he pairs innovative marketing with deep local knowledge to deliver exceptional results. Passionate about Aspen and its community, Steven’s mission is to help clients discover the extraordinary lifestyle the region offers while guiding them seamlessly through every step of the real estate process.

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